The Marines just finished strutting their stuff at their annual air show in San Diego.

For the Corps, it couldn't be better marketing. They demonstrate how they fight, and every little kid in the crowd -- and some of us big kids -- probably can't help but be a little dazzled. It might even be better than playing a video game.

The Marines first swoop in with a parade of their air power: The AV-8B Harrier jump jets, the KC-130 refueling plane, the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet. And, the helos: The CH-53E Super Stallion, the old workhorse CH-46 Sea Knight, the Cobra gunships, the Hueys and the new guys on the block, the MV-22 Ospreys.

The audience can feel the rotors thumping as the aircraft amass over the hills east of Miramar before they swoop in.

Fun for the crowd in the grandstands, some sneaky Marine 'grunts' pretend to assault toward the stands, carrying rifles. Then, and this isn't something one sees everyday in San Diego, the audience is treated to a close-up parade of Marine ground armor.